Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Adolescence" is a poem by David Ignatow first published in 1960 in his collection "The Gentle Weight Lifter". It explores the emotional turmoil of adolescence and the struggle to find one's place in the world.

Explanation:

The poem describes the feeling of being trapped in one's own body and the sense of being lost in the world. The speaker describes the frustration of wanting to be somewhere else and the fear of being trapped in a life they did not choose. They also express the sense of loneliness and the desire for connection with others.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The use of vivid sensory details, such as "the sweat that drips on to the grass" and "the old woman's skin, wrinkled like paper"
• Tone: Reflective, melancholic, and introspective
• Metaphor: The comparison of the self to a trapped animal

Conclusion:

"Adolescence" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of adolescence and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The poem captures the feelings of frustration, loneliness, and longing that are common to many teenagers as they navigate the difficult transition to adulthood.

Poem Snippet:

"I want to be elsewhere, where else I don't know

and fearing that the elsewhere will be as here,

the sweat that drips on to the grass

the old woman's skin, wrinkled like paper,”